bongolian Moog Maximus (CD, £10.75)

label: Blow Up

MOOG MAXIMUS sees the welcome return of The Bongolian, AKA multi-instrumentalist and Big Boss Man front man Nasser Bouzida. His fifth album under the Bongolian moniker continues the musical journey where his last album 'Bongos For Beatniks' left off, taking us through the fractures of time like fellow traveller H. G. Wells. Nasser has now landed in ancient Rome, or is it on a set from Westworld? All we know our hero is armed with a bank of vintage synthesisers with a legion of heavy grooves in this a wildly eclectic fusion of Funk, Soul, Hammond Beat, Jazz and Sci-Fi Boogaloo. Back in 2001, Nasser Bouzida disappeared into his studio and created a solo set of recordings which resulted in the birth of his alter ego The Bongolian. Drawing on influences of Funk, Latin, Soul and Jazz Nasser produced an inspired selection of recordings blending elements of grinding percussion and heavy Bongo rhythms. The eponymous debut ‘The Bongolian’ was released early in 2002 to much critical acclaim, and followed up by the albums ‘Blueprint’, ‘Outer Bongolia’ and 'Bongos For Beatniks'. The albums have become record box essentials for DJs, finding a wide appeal from Dance and Hip-Hop to Rare Groove and Funk 45s fans. Nasser has also assembled a high calibre five piece live band with which The Bongolian have toured USA, UK and Europe. Nasser Bouzida's most recent release was with Big Boss Man whose 4th album 'Last Man On Earth' which received strong support at BBC 6 Music (Cerys Mathews, Craig Charles, Gideon Coe, Nemone) with the band touring Europe extensively since it’s release. The Bongolian also collaborated with Fay Hallam for the album Lost In Sound (Fay Hallam & The Bongolian). “A bakers dozen of gems. Bongo powered grooves at their very best, Preston Epps eat your heart out” Scootering // “I love this new album. I'm going to play it to death, its absolutely brilliant. Its official. The Bongolian. My new favourite band. You heard it here first” Craig Charles, BBC6 Music // "We've been long time fans, so you can imagine our excitement when album No.4 appeared on the horizon. It's a superb record" Nemone, BBC 6 Music // Tracks: 1 Octavius 03:45 2 Googa Mama 03:39 3 Vacation in Westworld 04:51 4 Jan Hammer of the Gods 03:58 5 Moog Maximus 03:26 6 B-Boy Toga Party 02:26 7 Boudica Rides Again 04:22 8 Londinium Calling 03:31 9 Mr Woo 03:39 10 Ritmo do Rio 03:30 11 Kids Love Moogs 03:13 12 Aries and Scorpio 04:08